Take over an existing pub

The existing local customer base, plus new customers you attract with changes to the food, drinks and atmosphere.

Drinks and food sales from day one of ownership. The main work is protecting current takings while improving margins and building new regular nights.

• Reading business accounts and negotiating a deal
• Managing and keeping staff
• Running a bar and kitchen day to day

• Liquor licences may not transfer automatically, so check your provincial regulator's process and timelines before committing
• Landlord consent and the remaining lease length, rent increases and renewal terms
• Hidden problems such as equipment condition, debts, staff obligations or a poor reputation
• Commercial general liability and liquor liability insurance, in your own name
• Food premises permits from the local public health unit, which may need to be reissued
• Employment obligations to existing staff and WCB or WSIB registration, which differ by province
• Sales figures may be softer than shown, so check them against supplier purchases and bank records
• Quebec has its own licensing rules and French-language requirements

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $200,000 to $800,000 CAD, depending on the business's size, location, equipment and lease terms. Treat this as an estimate and check the figures against supplier purchases and bank records.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000 CAD, depending on the pub's customer base, location and how you change the food, drinks and events. These are estimates only, and sales may be softer than shown.

Liquor licences may not transfer automatically, so check your provincial regulator's process and timelines first. Also check landlord consent and remaining lease length, food premises permits, hidden debts or equipment problems, insurance in your own name, and staff obligations.